Williams Sees Iowa, Butler

Rob Howe

02/24/2014

Christian Williams visited Iowa in the fall to get a feel for the Big Ten school. The Illinois wing returned to Iowa City Saturday see catch a game. He talked with us about the stop, Sunday's trip to Butler and updated his recruitment.

Christian Williams took a break from his successful junior season at Decatur (IL) St. Teresa to visit two colleges showing him interest. He stopped at Iowa on Saturday before dropping in at Butler a day later.

St. Teresa is ranked 9th in Illinois' Class 2A. The 6-foot-5, 180-pound Williams is a big reason the Bulldogs sit at 21-3.

Colleges have taken notice of the talented wing. Iowa Coach Fran McCaffery recently watched Williams play in person.

Williams visited Iowa in early October. The Peoria Irish product returned to watch the Hawkeyes take on rival Wisconsin this weekend in a loud Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

"It's the best atmosphere I've been in so far," Williams said. "I liked it. I like the campus and it's an absolute great environment.

"I spoke with Coach McCaffery. He said he has seen a lot of improvement from the beginning of the year and said he can't wait to come watch me again soon."

Williams said McCaffery told him he's noticed him advancing his game in the areas of shooting, aggressiveness, ball handling and defending.

Williams visited historic Hinkle Fieldhouse Sunday to watch Butler take on Providence in Big East action.

"I liked it," he said. "It was unique. It was different than any place I visited, the way their arena was built."

On the trip, Williams spoke with Bulldogs head coach Brandon Miller and assistant, Terry Johnson.

"They both said they liked my size and my ability to play multiple positions," Williams said. "They said they'd be in to watch me in the summer."

Williams also has visited Illinois State, SIU-Edwardsville, Northern Illinois and Bradley. He has not planned any more trips to date.

Williams said he does not favor any school and wants to keep his recruitment open. He will try to show coaches during the spring and summer AAU periods that he can be aggressive and more consistent in a drive to earn more scholarship offers.